Pistoff Kristoff Robusto Cigar Review

As I prepare to write this review I am trying to think of another cigar brand where the name comes before the company and I can think of one. The Pistoff Kristoff got its name from a customer who told owner Glen Case  that he should come out with a cigar called Pissed Off Kristoff. Glen decided to put his spin on it changing it slightly and the result is today’s cigar.

So as our own David Garofalo says in a commercial on The Cigar Authority, let’s take it for a ride.

Cigar Review: Pistoff Kristoff
Wrapper: San Andres (Mexico)
Binder: Indonesia
Filler: Nicaragua
Length: 5.5″ 
Ring Gauge: 54
Vitola: Robusto
The Look: The Pistoff Kristof comes packaged in 10 count boxes which, from a consumer stand point, I love because it keeps the price low enough and gives you more options for your money. The cigar features a pig-tail cap and closed foot with a black band and red writing. The San Andres wrapper is veiny and in the hand the cigar is firm with a hefty weight to it and no soft spots.

The Notes: Once the cap is clipped there is a grape like sweetness along with a touch of earth.  The aroma off the foot and wrapper is loaded with a milk chocolate like aroma. As we light the closed foot cigar, the first note is a subtle sweetness, like something you would get from a plum or a grape.

Moving on to the first third of the cigar the plum like sweetness remains and makes the cigar stand out from other Kristoff cigars. As we continue through the first third, the fruity sweetness slides into the background as dark chocolate and coffee begin to develop in this exceptionally smooth stick that has a peppery retrohale.

The second third sees the strength kick up a notch moving past medium and bordering on full. The dark chocolate components are the dominant note, with a touch of earth and an espresso finish. The retrohale continues to offer up pepper, but it also sees the addition of cedar and leather as the second third comes to a close.

Each third of the Pistoff Kristoff saw the strength turn up a notch, and in the last third it is definitely classified as a full strength cigar. There is pepper on the palate, with hints of coffee, leather and nuts with all three amplified on the retrohale.

The Finish: The Pistoff Kristoff is advertised as a strong cigar, but it’s not a cigar that slaps you in the face from the second you light it up. In fact it slowly builds in strength until the half way point when you realize the cigar took you for a ride. It’s a ride worthy of taking that won’t leave you pissed off.

Score: 93
Price: $9.49 / $82.99